The reprogenetics case is almost a classic case of epistemic learned helplessness (https://slatestarcodex.com/2019/06/03/repost-epistemic-learned-helplessness/ for new readers) but with the twist that novel arguments about reproduction genetics have a long history of persuading experts in ethics into regrettable actions, suggesting that it’s not total madness to apply epistemic learned helplessness here even if you consider yourself an expert.
I exaggerate: Imagine Charlie Brown, presented with a formal proof in Lean that Lucy won’t pull away the football. He has checked that the proof compiles on his computer, he has passed it by Terence Tao in person, who vouched for it. He has passed the connection between the lean proof and the real world to a team of lawyers, physicists, and operating system engineers, who all see no holes. It is still rational to not try to kick the football.
What a beautiful explanation. This relates to politics that a policy suggestion makes logical sense for most parties but still presents an unknown tiny risk therefore most politicians decide doing nothing is the best bet in most cases
The reprogenetics case is almost a classic case of epistemic learned helplessness (https://slatestarcodex.com/2019/06/03/repost-epistemic-learned-helplessness/ for new readers) but with the twist that novel arguments about reproduction genetics have a long history of persuading experts in ethics into regrettable actions, suggesting that it’s not total madness to apply epistemic learned helplessness here even if you consider yourself an expert.
I exaggerate: Imagine Charlie Brown, presented with a formal proof in Lean that Lucy won’t pull away the football. He has checked that the proof compiles on his computer, he has passed it by Terence Tao in person, who vouched for it. He has passed the connection between the lean proof and the real world to a team of lawyers, physicists, and operating system engineers, who all see no holes. It is still rational to not try to kick the football.
What a beautiful explanation. This relates to politics that a policy suggestion makes logical sense for most parties but still presents an unknown tiny risk therefore most politicians decide doing nothing is the best bet in most cases